Parliamentary Trains

Many readers will know of the Chiltern Railways ‘Parliamentary service’ at 1055 from South Ruislip to West Ealing and 1147 non-stop return to High Wycombe on Mon-Fri.

It seems this ceased running in the first lockdown and hasn’t yet been restored. What is more alarming is that I’m told the train does run, but only as empty stock for route knowledge purposes. And, worse, is it not being restored in the December timetable change.

This raises the serious question: for how long can a Parliamentary service be withdrawn without specific permission?

I have discussed this with the Chief Executive of Transport Focus and he is raising the matter with the DfT for clarity. I’ll report back.